ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Aaron Flores scored in the 90th minute to lift the Soka University men's soccer team to a 2–1 win over Hope International on Saturday at The Den, clinching the final spot in the GSAC Tournament.
Soka needed less than three minutes to get on the board, as Robbie Cotton converted an assist from Justin Wu in the 3rd minute for a 1–0 lead the Lions carried into halftime.
Hope International drew level in the 52nd minute when Cesar Naranjo converted a penalty kick. The visitors pushed for a second, but goalkeeper Jacob Warren stood tall, turning away efforts from Erick Cabrera, Matthias Alcaraz and Francisco Torres over the closing half hour.
Playing a man down over the final 18 minutes, Soka found the winner with 17 seconds left in regulation, as Martin Mondala set up Flores for the decisive goal.
Warren finished with 8 saves, his second-highest total of the season, against a Hope International side that generated 15 shots and nine shots on goal. Rudy Garcia led Soka with three shots, all on frame, while Hope International goalkeepers Bryan Solano and Tyler Beehler combined for 4 saves.
Soka improved to 6-6-2 overall and 5-5-2 in GSAC play.
The Lions have one more regular season match against The Master's University on October 29th before setting their focus to the GSAC tournament. Opening-round matches set for Monday, Nov. 2, hosted by the highest seeds.
